Evaluation of Organic Fertilizer from Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) as substrate for Lilium sp.

The crisis of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) as invasive plant rise in dangerous upward trend in north of Iran wetlands. Therefore, organic fertilizer (compost and vermicompost) of water hyacinth as Lilium culture medium in 11 levels (Perlite 35%+Peat Moss 65%, Compost or Vermicompost 10%+ Perlite 35% +Peat Moss 55%, Compost or Vermicompost 20%+ Perlite 35% +Peat Moss 45%, Compost or Vermicompost 30%+ Perlite 35% +Peat Moss 35%, Compost or Vermicompost 10%+ Perlite 35% +Peat Moss 55%, Compost or Vermicompost 40%+ Perlite 25% +Peat Moss 55%, Compost or Vermicompost 65%+ Perlite 35%) in a completely randomized design with 5 replications were investigated. Results showed that the highest height of flower stem (77.87 cm) was observed in control and the lowest height of flower stem (41 cm) was achieved in 65% water hyacinth vermicompost. The highest flower vase life (9 days) was observed in flowers that were grown in 20% compost of water hyacinth. In addition to considering the environmental impact of water hyacinth biomass collecting, results of our experiment showed low percentage of Water hyacinth compost and vermicompost as organic fertilizer with other organic substrates such as Peat Moss is appropriate for Lilium growth.